ICC Test rankings: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma take big leaps

Indian captain Rohit Sharma moved up four places to claim the 10th spot in ICC’s list of top batters in the Test format. Star batter Virat Kohli also moved up three spots and is now placed 6th.

Kohli emerged as India’s highest-run scorer in the 2-match Test recent series against South Africa. He added a total of 172 runs across four innings as India tied the series with the Proteas.

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson currently occupies the top spot on the list with a rating of 864. Meanwhile, Kohli has a rating of 775 and Rohit accumulated 748.

The updated rankings come as both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were included in India’s T20 series against Afghanistan, which is being seen as a prelude to the 20-over World Cup in June.

News agency PTI reported last week that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel was set to pick the celebrated duo for the Afghanistan series.

"Decisions on Rohit and Virat can't solely be taken by the selection committee. There is a lot at stake, broadcasters, sponsors and you can't pick one and drop the other. Ajit and his team needed to maintain a status quo," a former India selector told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

While Rohit's chances of leading India in the T20 World Cup have considerably brightened, the development comes across as a big blow to Hardik's captaincy ambitions at the global event in June.

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